Monday, August 24, 1998 Last modified at 12:33 a.m. on Monday, August 24, 1998

Fingerprint Furor

I guess I don't understand all the furor over the fingerprint system on checks.

People all over Lubbock are about to blow a vein over having to present some ID when writing a check. So what's new? It's been this way for decades.

kycanAnyone who accepts your check is putting out a "good faith" effort as to your honesty, and the least you can do is reinforce their faith in you by providing a simple picture ID. If you can't provide the ID, then you will be requested to provide a fingerprint.

Many of you don't want to present an ID because it contains "confidential" information. If so, then why on earth are you handing a complete stranger a check with all kinds of personal and financial information on it?

You don't want to show your ID, but you'll hand over a document with your name, address, account number, driver's license number, etc., on it. I fail to see the logic in this assertion, and have heard no argument that adequately explains this view. I have to presume that you are either ignorant, unrealistic or paranoid.

If you are dead-set on going through life paying for things with a slip of paper other than a genuine U.S. greenback, then be prepared to ante up some ID. If not, then carry cash.

At the very least, stop fussing about a non-issue. The rest of us are tired of hearing you whine.